Kota Kinabalu: EY remains committed to developing local accounting talent in Sabah, at a time when the profession itself is being reshaped by technology and changing business expectations.
Its leadership believes the issue is not whether accounting remains relevant, but whether the profession evolves fast enough to stay at the centre of decision-making.
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Brian Wong, Assurance Resident Partner of EY in Sabah said the firm plays a key role in grooming the next generation of accountants, with a long-term goal of building a fully localised leadership pipeline.
With roots in Sabah stretching back over 70 years to the 1950s, when it operated as Turquand, Youngs & Co, EY has remained a constant domiciled presence, developing local talent who later became leaders in industry, government and professional practice.
“99.9 per cent of our team members in Sabah are Sabahans. My mandate is to groom the next level of Sabahan leaders to eventually run the practice in Kota Kinabalu,” he said.
“The goal is not just to operate in Sabah, but to build a profession led by Sabahans, at a global standard that competes anywhere,”
On talent development, he said EY adopts a flexible approach to internships, focusing less on fixed intake numbers and more on identifying individuals with strong potential.
“It’s not about how many we bring in, it’s about how many we develop into people who can think, adapt and lead,” he said.
Addressing concerns about declining interest in accounting among younger generations, Wong said the perception of the profession must change, noting that the profession goes far beyond bookkeeping.
“Accounting determines whether decisions are trusted or questioned. It sits at the centre of governance, risk management and the quality of financial information in both business and public policy,” he said.
He added that the profession needs clearer messaging on its purpose. He said this clarity is essential to sustaining long-term interest in the field.
“We need to define clearly what the profession stands for. Academia, the government and professional bodies must align in communicating the profession’s role in governance, accountability and decision-making to safeguard public interest. Because without clarity, interest in the profession will decline,” he said.
Wong also pointed out that this challenge is compounded by a nationwide shortage of accountants in Malaysia, with talent often moving abroad for better opportunities.
On the impact of artificial intelligence (AI), he dismissed concerns of an oversupply of accountants, saying the technology would instead reshape the profession.
“AI will not reduce the need for accountants. It will expose those who only know how to follow processes. Accountants who function like software may be replaced, but those who bring judgment and challenge assumptions will become even more important. The advantage will belong to those who know how to use AI, not compete with it,” he said.
In terms of education, Wong said current accounting syllabi still fall short in preparing students for real-world demands.
“Universities provide the fundamentals, but the workplace demands something more – the ability to operate when the answers are not obvious,” he said.
He emphasised that judgment, communication under pressure and integrity should be developed alongside technical knowledge, rather than treated as secondary skills.
“If we don’t close this gap early, the first-time graduates face real pressure is when the consequences are real.”
For aspiring accountants, Wong said personal drive and initiative are key differentiators in a competitive job market.
“It is not just about qualifications. Graduates must demonstrate curiosity, take initiative and continuously build their capabilities,” he said.
“The profession will not stand still. The question is whether individuals evolve with it.”
